$750,364Average Value$578Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Densely developed diverse community near San Diego State University
Meaning little hill in Spanish, El Cerrito is a dynamic San Diego suburb developed on a rolling landscape that in the 1800s was covered with orchards and farms. It's now home to busy residential streets, one of California's most diverse high schools, a variety of churches, hip cafes and accessible public transit. Locals can walk or bike to San Diego State University, or hop on a bus along College Avenue. El Cajon Boulevard runs east-west through the heart of the community, offering a selection of multicultural restaurants and eclectic coffee shops.
El Cerrito's streetscapes are peppered with funky street art, flowering lawns and modest retail plazas. "El Cerrito is an eccentric neighborhood with this terrific fusion of cultures that makes it really unique," says Capri Cherry, Realtor with eXp Realty of California, Inc., who's been selling homes in the area since 2006. "You'll find a mix of cuisine here you might not find in other parts of San Diego. It feels like a lively meeting of different worlds."
San Diego State University is nearby bringing youthful energy to the neighborhood.
El Cerrito has lots of shopping and amenities with SDSU bringing youthful energy culturally.
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Condos from $400,000, remodeled midcentury homes up to $1.3 million
The neighborhood's slight elevation offers both city and canyon views. Most streets are trimmed with sidewalks on both sides, making it easy to walk to schools and shopping on El Cajon Boulevard. There's a casual, residential vibe that feels like a comfortable college town. It's an established neighborhood where trees and plantings are well-grown and in full bloom. "In El Cerrito, you're right in the middle of retail and commercial conveniences, but you still get that suburban feel," Cherry says. "It's a nice blend you might not find in other parts of Mid-City."
Condos with community pools and earthtone stucco exteriors are priced from $400,000 to $520,000. Single-family homes are a mix of bungalows, ranch styles and the occasional two-story. Many were built between the 1930s and the 1960s, and pricing ranges from $800,000 to $1.3 million, depending on size and renovations. Some properties have attractive xeriscaping, while others are embellished with decorative fencing or sturdy painted stucco walls around flat, trimmed lawns. "You won't find any sprawling mansions here, but you will see a diversity of cute, quaint homes," Cherry says. To address the city's growing housing insecurity concerns and provide homes for the formerly unhoused, a two-phased project transforming shipping containers into affordable housing launched in 2023 in central El Cerrito.
Condos in El Cerrito can range from $400,000 to $520,000.
You can find a variety of modest size homes in El Cerrito.
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Sports and Colina Del Sol Park, fishing at Chollas Lake Park
At Colina Del Sol Park, just west of El Cerrito, picnic tables are topped with ceramic tiles featuring area kids' artwork. Paved pathways lead to a playground and colorful multi-use sports court that was renovated and celebrated with a Grand Reopening in 2021. The court's resurfacing, new hoops, LED lighting and vivid sun rays painted at mid-court were achieved thanks to contributions from NBA Legend Bill Walton, along with a team of community and athletic groups. Three miles south of the neighborhood, Chollas Lake Park is a 60-acre green space with a 2-mile loop trail and a 16-acre lake stocked for fishing.
Chollas Lake is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city.
A boy plays tennis with friends a Colina Del Sol Recreation center near Chollas Creek.
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Carver High enrollment guarantee with California State University San Marcos
Public schools are within the San Diego Unified School District, which earns an A grade on Niche. Most kids start at Fay Elementary, given a B-minus or Hardy Elementary, given an A. Horace Mann Middle gets a B-minus, and Crawford High — whose student population represents 40 countries, 35 languages and more than 70 dialects — earns a B.
From 2020 through 2023, a phased modernization project transformed Crawford High into a state-of-the-art campus. The project included revamping the College, Career and Technical Education Center's automotive center, and adding a three-story facility for performing arts and student services. As of 2024, Crawford now offers guaranteed admission to California State University San Marcos for eligible graduates. The Waldorf School of San Diego, just west of the neighborhood in Chollas Creek, provides a private PK-12 option that earns an A-plus and is ranked the No. 5 best private K-12 school in the San Diego Area by Niche.
Horace Mann Middle School's mascot is the Horace Mann Cougars.
A look at the campus of Hardy Elementary School near SDSU.
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Community Council meetings and Chollas Lake Park events
Neighbors interested in community involvement and improvement can join the El Cerrito Community Council, which meets monthly at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Each meeting features an event such as the ECCC Chili Cook-Off or local business presentations so residents can explore their community's services and products. Just three miles south of the urban buzz in El Cerrito, 60-acre Chollas Lake Park hosts a variety of events. People gather here for Juneteenth celebrations, movies at the amphitheater, or Play Day at the Lake with guided ranger hikes, nature crafts and a fishing derby with prizes.
El Cerritos residents can attend Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Chollas Lake Park has a variety of events throughout the year.
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Easy access to Interstates 8 and 15
El Cerrito living brings residents close to San Diego State University and area employers. "Local MTS bus transport here makes it easy to reach the university," Cherry says. "And the rest of San Diego is very accessible, especially along El Cajon Boulevard, which is a major artery through East San Diego. You can also take the bus to connect to additional San Diego Trolley routes." The San Diego International Airport is only a 10-mile, 30-minute drive west. Major freeways, including Interstates 8 and 15, are within a mile or two of the neighborhood.
El Cerrito has easy access to several highways.
Get around El Cerrito easily with reliable public transportation.
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Breakfast or lunch at Living Room Coffeehouse, Caribbean cuisine at Ackee Tree
Locals dip into Crispy's Donuts for croissant sandwiches and sweet treats or savor coffee, breakfast and lunch at Scrimshaw Coffee. The funky-chic Living Room Coffeehouse also serves omelets, mimosas and Euro-style cakes amid art filled decor or on the outdoor patio. Says Cherry, "There's also an authentic Jamaican restaurant called Ackee Tree that gets rave reviews here." Blending savory and sweet, Ackee Tree's curries and jerk meals offer a taste of the Caribbean. And right next to University Avenue Baptist Church, the Mariscos El Prieto walk-up food truck is a go-to for Mexican tacos, quesadillas, and seafood.
Grocery shopping is convenient at Food 4 Less in University Square to the south and Vons in the Campus Plaza Shopping Center to the north. University Square is also home to a collection of casual Vietnamese, Chinese and Mexican eateries, and Alforan on El Cajon Boulevard specializes in Lebanese cuisine.
Come grab a coffee with friends at Scrimshaw Coffee.
Get good deals on groceries at the local Food 4 Less.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anthony Reanue,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Rolando Park
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Wightman Street Neighborhood Park
Colina del Sol Park
Montezuma Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Clay Park
North Chollas Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
San Diego International
17 min drive
Bus
University Av & 60th St
Bus
University Av & Chollas Pkwy
Bus
College Av & El Cajon Bl
Bus
54th St & 54th Pl
Bus
54th St & Trojan Av
Bus
El Cajon Bl & 59th St
Bus
University Av & University Sq
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
El Cerrito
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
El Cerrito Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in El Cerrito, San Diego sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in El Cerrito, San Diego over the last 12 months is $625,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Entertaining Offers between $859,000-$889,000. Beautifully Remodeled Single Story Smart Home with Solar – Move-In Ready! Don’t miss this stunning, fully permitted remodel and square footage addition completed in 2010! This thoughtfully upgraded home combines modern style with comfort and convenience—perfect for today’s lifestyle. Step into the spacious chef’s kitchen featuring a large center
Welcome to 5510 Adelaide Ave #1, a charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo that is FHA/VA approved! the heart of San Diego! This updated unit features a spacious living area with natural light, a well-appointed kitchen with modern appliances, and in unit washer and dryer. The community offers a community pool and gated entry with easy access to local shopping, dining, and major freeways.
Whether you're investing or buying your very first home, this charming condo has everything you need! With two spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-concept living and dining area with soaring ceilings, it’s perfect for roommates, a small family, or anyone who loves a bright, open space. Located in a walkable neighborhood close to shops, cafes, and restaurants—you’ll have everything at
Live in Sought-After El Cerrito Heights — Why Pay HOA Fees? Own Your Home and the Land! Welcome to El Cerrito Heights, one of San Diego’s most desirable and established neighborhoods. This warm and welcoming detached bungalow is the perfect starter home, offering charm, space, and freedom with no HOA, and no CC&Rs. Enjoy off-street parking for up to 3 vehicles, gated RV access, and an attached
This fully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in El Cerrito is a rare find. Everything has been updated—new windows, fresh paint, a brand-new kitchen, modern bathrooms, a newer roof, and upgraded flooring—making this home completely move-in ready. The layout is spacious and functional, offering plenty of room for living, entertaining, or even a home office setup. One of the standout features
Your Vibrant College Area Sanctuary Awaits! Discover Sun-Kissed Living at The Aspens – Unit #214 Step into the heart of San Diego's energetic College Area/El Cerrito neighborhood and find your haven at The Aspens! Nestled within this sought-after, securely gated community, Unit #214 offers an exceptional blend of convenience, comfort, and classic California style – all just moments from the
Set on 20 acres of beautifully green landscaped grounds, Lantana Hills offers apartments filled with natural light and updated living areas. Enjoy a wealth of top-notch amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle, including three BBQ sites perfect for outdoor gatherings, two private parks for peaceful strolls, and a charming picnic garden courtyard for you and your guests.For pet lovers, there's
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anthony Reanue,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,377
Median Age
36
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,486
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,335
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.9%
College Graduates
43.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.2%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
10''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
75/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
56/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
